My first gathering in Bethel was in 1994 (The 25th anniversary of Woodstock) I was overwhelmed with what I discovered there. Miles of smiles, I had never been anywhere before where so much love was concentrated in one place. Those memories will be with me till I am gone from this earth.
I wondered how such a magnificent event could come together without any monies from the participants. There was a stage with power, good music, Porta-potties and fresh water and food for the hungry, All for free. I figured either some rich person was treating us to the time of our lives or some other forces were at work.
It turns out it may have been a combination of both. If you were close to the stage, you may have seen a large barrel, It was for donations to keep gas in the generators, pay for porta-potties, and food for the free kitchen. The performers came at their own expense to play for us. It also turns out that much of the stage equipment was donated by people who believe in the Woodstock Spirit and through their kindness provided the participants with a wonderful Woodstock experience.
Finding the Woodstock Spirit in Bethel again in 95 I marked that weekend in August as an annual pilgrimage on my calendar. But then a change in the wind came. They say all good things must end some time. Starting in 96 the new owner of the land we have gathered on, decided that Peace, Love, Music and Freedom had no place on his land, and in 98 he converted our Woodstock Spirit into something he called "A Day In The Garden", Keeping the Music, and scrapping Peace, Love & Freedom and replacing it with Peace Officers, Greed and Ticket sales. That's not what I came to Bethel for!
If it were not for some kind hearted friends, who live in Max Yasgar's home, just down the road from the Original site, we would not be celebrating Woodstock reunions as we do now. When Allen Gerry and the New York State Troopers closed the original site, Roy & Jeryl opened up their farm to us, so we could continue to celebrate the Woodstock Spirit.
For the goodness they provided to those of us who still return each year, Roy & Jeryl have endured various threats and legal actions by those who don't believe in Free assembly in Bethel. And although many things were provided Free to those who came to their farm, some still required money to pay the bills. Since Roy & Jeryl began letting us gather on their land no one has been turned away for lack of money, Donations were accepted at the entrance to the farm. but even with the money collected, not all expenses were covered. So between legal bills, bills from trash collection, porta-potties, and others, Money was lost by the people helping us celebrate at the Woodstock reunions.
Starting with the 30th anniversary, a new tact had to be used to provide people with a place to gather in August, The legal problems of holding a free assembly in Bethel were becoming serious obstacles. The local politics in the area were clamping down on anyone promoting a free gathering in Bethel. So how can you fight that... Only one way, Start your own political party and have a political rally, So became the "Wanna-Party".
I guess the rules for politicians are different then for the folks who elect them. Politicians can have rallies, without being hassled, in the name of Freedom with thousands of supporters, but You and I can be busted for having a Free gathering to celebrate our Freedom. So this year the Wanna-Party at Roy & Jeryl's farm has become the Green Party headquarters Sullivan county, New York and coincidentally, the official New York State Green Party convention will be held at the Sullivan County headquarters on August 11th thru 13th.
One problem still remains, and it is the topic I started to write about, Who is going to pay for this years event? Most things are donated, and each one of us pitches in to help, but some things cannot be provided for free, and no one should have to lose money so that we can enjoy our reunion. This year will be the first year that it cant be said that it is totally free. Every car that parks on the farm will be asked to donate $20 per car for the weekend. That money will go to the expenses of the event. This method of funding for the event is not what I believe to be in the True Woodstock Spirit, but I do understand its necessity. Donations last year were not adequate to offset expenses, and if any sort of event is to happen this year, it needs better funding. Unless a kind hearted benefactor donates the funds needed to cover the entire cost of the event, the parking donation will be required. With all the kindness provide us, No one should not lose out for our freedom to celebrate Peace, Love & Music.
Thank You for listening to my ramblings
WayneG